My mutterings on life, thoughts and actions.

Public Transport

Running a car is now really expensive. Fact. Fuel is taxed to the hilt and more, and the other costs associated are getting out of control. Given that we know that bigger cuts and the real impact of what has already been announced is still to be properly felt, Amanda and I had a serious (1am) discussion about becoming a Car Free family.

My gut reaction was “don’t be silly” but as we went through things and the trips we do then it is possible. It certainly wouldn’t be convenient, we would have to become better at planning and the bikes would become better used. The public transport system isn’t great, but lets face it, there is going to be no drive to make it better unless there is demand for it. We would have the Number 14 bus in Kingsway, the number 10 in Tuffley.

The longer trips to think about, like to my Parents in Cumbria could be done by train, or we hire a car as and when we need it.

It would put a stop to “nipping to Tesco” or getting a quick take away, which would do wonders for my waistline and being on the bike more would do wonders for my fitness levels.

There is also the new Gloucester Car Club, which makes a car available for a per hour fee which would do for trips to Ledbury etc. According to them we would save £5440 per year, but given their assumptions we think it would be more, something like over £6000. Also if enough people registered in Kingsway/Quedgeley then they would have a car allocated over here too!

The main concern would be travelling to work in Bristol, as the public transport links are rubbish, but given how much I work away at the moment, then it’s not much of an issue, but it would need to be reviewed as and when my work patterns change.

So, I don;t think it would be easy, but then we never seem to make the easy choices, I think it is worth a try, even just looking at the financial aspects alone. Therefore we have decided to sell our car, and see how it goes for say 6 months (or until we get completely fed up). Scary stuff.

The other week, I was very critical of Kings Square, and it seems that people agreed with me. The new site will apparently get new shops, bars, restaurants, residential and office facilities, as well as a new bus station as well as a “high-quality public square, open spaces and parking”.

Bus Station – brilliant, desperately needed. as well as the whole area, dubbed the Kings Quarter needs the complete revamp. Shops, bars, restaurants – ok that all good, it will provide a vibrant atmosphere if tastefully done, and providing something new and not just more of the same. But then add on residential and office facilities. That seems to be code for more flats? Do we need them? I think the public square idea is great, and could be a real feature, which should be used to show off Gloucester’s history.

I think that this project, if done well, will provide a great “face” to the city for those coming in off the Public Transport network. It should also provide some real competition for the Quays too, which will be good for both areas, and all the businesses in between.

But – Talk is cheap. We need to see some action. The City Council have set aside £1.5m for this (presumably in this financial year), which is a huge amount considering the service cuts. Therefore they have to drive this to happen and not let it slide.

Hopefully this is the next fundamental step along the regeneration of Gloucester and I am looking forward to seeing it.